The Nationals have claimed minor leaguer Carlos Rivero off waivers from the Phillies, adding a potential backup infielder to the mix.

Rivero, 23, hit .260 with 16 homers, 71 RBI and a .326 on-base percentage in 136 combined games between Class AA Reading and Class AAA Lehigh Valley this season. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Venezuelan brings some pop in his bat and the ability to play both positions on the left side of the infield.

Originally signed by the Indians out of his native country, Rivero will report to big-league camp next spring and compete for a spot on the bench. He’s immediately added to the Nationals’ 40-man roster.

He also hit 38 doubles along with the 16 homers. At age 22 Both huge leaps over previous performances … thus the claim by the Nats. At 23, slow-a-foot, a developing bat looking for a better position.He's a replacement for Chris Marerro except Rivero can actually field multiple positions.

Things are looking up in Syracuse:Tyler Moore 1BStephen Lombardozzi 2BJosh Johnson SSCarlos Rivero 3B/LFSeth Bynum UTLDerek Norris CCarlos Maldonado CCorey Brown OFChris Rahl OFJesus Valdez OFLooking like a very good offense in the making in Syracuse. Expected mass promotions to Harrisburg from Potomac make this almost fait accomplii …The starting pitching rotation is an entirely different matter though …Still way, way up in the air. Clark, Harris, Scialaba have a lot of work to do.

OMG, what are people talking about? This guy doesn't allow you to trade Desmond, he couldn't hold the SS job at AA. He certainly doesn't replace Marerro, who can actually hit (and he doesn't play multiple positions – he's being converted to 3B because he couldn't play the position he was at). He's had one spurt of a few months at AA where he hit a few HRs. That's it. Nothing else. He hit .185 while having a cup of coffee at AAA. He fills a spot at Syracuse. That's it and that's all. If he blows people away (very unlikely), maybe he gets a few MLB ABs in September or 2013. Odds are we never hear of him again.Wow, talk about jumping the gun…

Carlos Rivero intrigues me.Think that there is a lot of upside on having him on the roster and you never know if with the right chemistry he isn't the next Michael Morse.As for Corey Brown, he hasn't shown us much, same with Bernadina. Think that if both of them don't shine that they could be history by the All-Star break

makes me curious why the Phillies put him on waivers.He's blocking up their 40-man; he is just starting AAA and he has to be on the 40-man or be exposed to the Rule 5 draft. The Phillies originally claimed him off from the Indian's waivers. They also waived him last year and got him back.Its why Rizzo likes a small 40-man if he can get it. Rizzo's problem is that unless this huge 4-1 trade occurs he only has 3 slots now. That clears up when they get to the season and put Marerro and Kimball on the 60-day DL. But that's too long to wait.It sure seems like a trade is about to be consummated that will involve more than one currently on the 40-man for the Nats.

makes me curious why the Phillies put him on waivers.Could be a sign that the Phillies are in the mix for Oswalt and will sign him to a 1 year with incentives? If I were Rizzo I would go full tilt to sign the guy just to keep that from happening.

As for Corey Brown, he hasn't shown us much, same with Bernadina. Think that if both of them don't shine that they could be history by the All-Star breakBrown is not on the 40-man no one claimed him off the waivers. So, he will stay in Syracuse. Its not like the Nats have that many superlative fielders in CF and the outfield? Bernadina is on the 40-man. He doesn't have any more options so … unless he is a part of the upcoming trade you might be right …

This was a precursor to nothing. It was merely a move of opportunity. Another team put him on waivers and we claimed him. The insight here is that we liked him enough to temporarily use a roster slot.Perhaps, but one this is definitely clear: the Nats could really use him in Syracuse. Rivero has repeated AA three years in a row from age 19. Its time to see what he can do in AAA.

He hit .185 while having a cup of coffee at AAA. He fills a spot at Syracuse. Sorry, too small a sample size. He needs some work on his plate discipline and discrimination. But 16 homers and 38 doubles is nothing to sneeze at. And in AAA he only had ONLY 30 PA at Lehigh Valley!! Believe me Harper will LIKELY have the SAME stats when and if he starts out in the majors or AAA this coming season in his first 30 PA dude! C'mon! He did manage TWO doubles, a TRIPLE, and a HOMERUN in those 30 plate appearances? Doh!? What does that tell you? And gee he IS ONLY 23?Clearly the Nats saw this when he played against Syracuse. This guy's improvement curve became quadratic, possibly cubic when he reached 22.Yes, you are right he is not the best fielder and may never be. So that is in fact why some might consider him a "flawed prospect". Third base and shortstop are likely not his positions. LF, 2B, perhaps first base are better choices along with DH.

So wait, by MLBTR's newest update, we are willing to trade Brad, Norris, hood, Perez, or Cole. Peacock and Norris are main piece and then one of these 3 with another lower level guy. I am guessing here.Anyways, I don't know if this is good trade for us to do. But we open up to spots on 40-man roster I believe.

So wait, by MLBTR's newest update, we are willing to trade Brad, Norris, hood, Perez, or Cole. Peacock and Norris are main piece and then one of these 3 with another lower level guy. I am guessing here.Keep in mind that this is likely coming for the other side. Rizzo hates MLBTR because they have spilled the beans before he was ready. He is keeping a tight lid on his side of the negotiations. He's not going to part with AJ Cole period. Peacock and Perez seem more likely. Hood and Norris less so … but Hood before Norris. If the Nats throw in more they will want more back in addition to Gonzalez and I'd bet good money on that.

Anon 6:01Don't give me small sample size, it's small because he hasn't torn up MiLB. He has 2450 ABs and a career BA of .258. Up until last summer he had shown very little power. What is a small sample size is the relatively few ABs he had at AA where he was successful. I'm not saying that he may not develop into something eventually, but it is fantastically premature to start thinking about trading Desmond or Lombardozzi because the Phils dumped this guy and we got him. He has not yet had any success at AAA. Compare his numbers to Lombo's.

Both Lesatcsc and Anon601 need to calm down and keep their shorts on. This a minor league infielder, no more. He's on the 40-man roster — and will leave Syracuse only if Zimmerman and one other regular infielder get hurt. It makes no sense to pencil this guy in over Lombardozzi — who everyone on this list thinks is the reincarnation of Phil Rizzuto — when he's never been in the organization and what you want, if you need a sub for more than a couple of days, is someone with ML experience. (Because Johnson isn't going to leave camp w/out an experienced utility guy, it's another reason this fellow can sign a season-long lease in Syracuse.) No Rule 5 problem, and probably no problem if he has to go through waivers sometime this Spring. Just minor league depth (which is badly needed.)

but it is fantastically premature to start thinking about trading Desmond or Lombardozzi because the Phils dumped this guy and we got him. He has not yet had any success at AAA. Compare his numbers to Lombo's.I never said he was a replacement for Lombardozzi or Desmond. That is ridiculous. He is however a pretty good replacement for Marerro given that there really isn't any other prospect that is even close at his age or older given his past season in AA. And his power stats in AAA. And, as Theophilus said HE IS NEEDED in Syracuse beyond any doubt. And he will likely start there. If you read this article you will see that there has been a consistent trend of improvement in his offense. Its not at elite levels. He hasn't reached Moore's or Marerro's levels but there is still a good chance given his still very young age. Again he is not the best fielder, its a definite weakness. Probably far better than Marerro or Tyler Moore but certainly he is no Desmond or Lombardozzi where that is concerned. Not even close.He is a decent gamble given his numbers last year. Even his AAA numbers which spoke of some pretty damned good power.http://phuturephillies.com/2011/05/25/carlos-rivero-a-case-study-in-signing-international-talent/

My guess is if they sign Gonzalez and go after Oswalt they will likely release John Lannan rather than pay his close to 5 million arbitration salary. It may be why there is a big rush to sign Gonzalez?

Anon @7:30,I listened to the link — thanks — but wouldn't read too much into it. He said the right things both to begin with and to conclude (I want to go to a team that wants to win, etc.), and only expressed a natural preference for his hometown Marlins when the announcer pressed him. Even then, he qualified it and came back to the willingness to go wherever he's dealt.

Anonymous said… My guess is if they sign Gonzalez and go after Oswalt they will likely release John Lannan rather than pay his close to 5 million arbitration salary. It may be why there is a big rush to sign Gonzalez? December 21, 2011 7:22 PM ________________________________You know very little. Lannan wouldn't be released, he would be traded. If Lannan could tighten up his road starts, he would be a solid #3 pitcher. John Lannan had his best season in 2011 and was a solid #4.

John Lannan had his best season in 2011 and was a solid #4.Statistically, Lannan had his worst season yet. By far the worst of all starters including Maya and Livo. He barely makes it as a #5 and for 5 million the Nats should be able to do better. I can't see Lannan in the 2012 rotation over Milone. Milone doesn't walk batters he is someone who knows how to pitch. Therefore Lannan is either in the bullpen, traded or released.

Sooooo….we gonna add any MAJOR LEAGUE players this offseason??? My God, I really thought the Lerners had finally gotten it. Bud selig I hate you for giving us the cheapest and richest owners in the game.

BTW Feel Wood you know far less … if you think Lannan is that good. If Lannan is so good why is that for 2 years Livo basically had to carry this rotation as its ace? Lannan just is not that good and should be a long guy. The advanced park and defense neutral stats on Fangraphs and affiliated sites back that up. And that dude is what GM's look at.

Really I was getting heat for suggesting that these off season moves were a symptom of the LERNERS ARE CHEAP mantra and now Boz has confirmed that YES VIRGINIA THEY REALLY ARE. When will these idiots learn WHEN. So I guess I will put off the package we were looking into buying and wait to see if they get the message or not. Why buy now when the price will so much lower if this dumpster diving roster is all they have to offer.

Please some of you that keep defending the Lerners and calling the commenters here that would like to see the Nats spending crazy out-of-control fans, go read Boswell article. Its very scary stuff. I've been reading so many articles defending what the team is doing, I'm glad someone call them out on it.Lets just hope he's wrong.

I do think that Boswell has more inside info than any of us does. Unless all the anonymous are Nats top executives. The one good thing I see is that after 7 years the Washington media will finally call them out if they're not honest.It might convince them to make deals.

Here I will copy what I posted on the Post commentsWhy does the fan base have to keep screaming at this ownership. Are they really as tone deaf as Snyder appears to be, are these just play toys for rich people who use the public's money to finance their hobby. Yes it is the public's money they are using from the cost of games to the stadium and they have worked it out to pretend to be interested in success as ball club but not so it interrupts the real cost that has at the end of the day cost the Lerners nothing. All gain no pain

Boswell has been wrong before. If the example of Snyder doesn't teach a lesson about "winning the off-season," nothing will. Here's what he's ignoring: Money doesn't always work. I can name at least four or five pretty good players who turned down more money to accept a deal for other reasons. In some cases, it's location. Or a relationship with an official at another team (Buehrle + Ozzie), etc. Part of the reason Lee turned down New York was the way his family was treated at Yankee Stadium (his wife had beer dumped on her.) With the money these guys make, they are set for life by any measure–a few million here or there is not going to win the target all the time.As for Oswalt, he was a cancer in Houston. He wanted a ring–he wanted to go to a winning team and was a jerk around the clubhouse. (My son lives in Houston, and many Astros fans were glad to see him go.)Maybe the Lerners are cheap. We don't know. Boswell usually has pretty good sources, but where did this one come from? Davey? Rizzo? Hard to imagine that.

mlbtraderumos Nationals, Mark DeRosa Nearing Deal bit.ly/vjCyfE #mlbLooks like the Lerners are shelling out some dough … ~smiles~Boz must have heard something he didn't like from a reputable source. Apparently a Boz op-ed in the sports page of WaPo taking Ted to task works else why bother? Why not hold your tongue like Mark, Adam, Amanda, and Pete Kerzel?

Of course you all realize (and Boz didn't mention) this all has to do with signing Jayson Werth, Adam La Roche, and Jason Marquis and having them turn out to be injured or failures. It may be that when it comes to prospects Ted Lerner goes with Rizzo and his instincts which have really been spot on. When it comes to free agents its an entirely different story because of recent history … Players like Dukes, Milledge, etc. likely helped get Bowden fired. Then paying millions to a 21 year old masquerading as 16 was the proverbial straw? Was Werth Rizzo's straw? In spite of the canny calls on Dunn and even Willingham?

acomak Source confirms @ken_rosenthal report that the #Nationals are indeed getting close to signing utility man Mark DeRosa. #natsWell first Carlos Rivero and now Mark De Rosa. Boz looks clairvoyant … maybe he is trying to nip things in the bud before Rizzo has to resort to begging with another power point presentation? Sounds like "Couples Retreat" where one of the couples uses a power point presentation to present their divorce plans to their friends.

Go read Boz's chat transcript on Monday. I generally enjoy reading Boz, but holy cow, the column he just published appears to bear no resemblance to the guy chatting Monday. On Monday, he basically wrote off the Nats off-season to Rizzo's deeply ingrained belief in determining value and sticking to it. Buerhle wasn't worth four years. Darvish isn't worth the ungodly sum that the Rangers will spend. Oswalt isn't worth three years. Rizzo isn't going to allow the market to drive him beyond his belief. Wonder what changed his mind since Monday?

This is Boz on Monday …"Rizzo has the authority. But he wants to keep it! He really has a good sense of Ted, imo. Rizzo wants value and, as he said to me recently, "Once I get a number in my head on what I think a player is worth, I don't change much." That's who he IS __a talent evaluator. That's what he brings. If he thinks __and he does think these things __Buerhle isn't worthy four years; Oswalt isn't worth three years; Cepedes isn't worth $40-50M; Darvish isn't worth God-knows-how-much; BJ Upton isn't worth a key Nats player just to control him for one year; Pujols and Fielders aren't worth THAT to the Nats because they're set up fine at 1st base. Is this stubborn? Yes. But if you are a team builder, you can't sway with the wind. You have to stick to your guns. If you are right enough, you get to be in a parade. If you are wrong enough, you get fired. He was right, when the world was mostly wrong, on Dunn. (he won't say it because he likes Dunn so much, but he saw a significant downward trajectory to his career, but nothing like what happened in '11. So far, he looks very wrong on Werth __a huge miss, if it works out that way."This is Boz today …"If you want to know why it’s almost Christmas and the Nats haven’t signed Mark Buehrle, Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson, why they haven’t bid on Yu Darvish or Yoenis Cespedes, why they haven’t been within a zillion miles of C.J. Wilson, Jose Reyes or Prince Fielder, and especially why they haven’t made a prospects-for-a-star trade such as the Reds for ace Mat Latos, it’s probably because ownership is tensing up, tightening the leash again."

My totally uninformed supposition. Boz always seemed to be talking to Kasten when Kasten was here. He wrote what he thought on Monday. Kasten read it; called up Boz and fed him a different scenario which he published today. Anyone want to come up with another explanation for the two Tom Boswells?

Anyone want to come up with another explanation for the two Tom Boswells?Maybe someone he's known on a personal level far longer than Kasten: Davey Johnson. Who in the past was renowned for airing what he thinks in the media. Since Johnson is new and having another manager with a grievance would not be good for the franchise … perhaps Boz decided to do his dirty work for him?That is the person I would ask were I an intrepid reporter like say? Jen Royale who is returning to Boston …

That paragraph from today is really bizarre. Buehrle isn't worth four years. Oswalt is not a three-year contract. Jackson is on his seventh team for a reason. Darvish is not a $100M sign for this franchise. Cespedes hasn't come up for bid yet. Wilson went for crazy money. Reyes and Fielder (Boz loves LaRoche) aren't necessarily good fits. And for the Latos trade, it sounds like the Nats are similarly in on Gio. What the heck got into him?